Proof that you were not a permanent resident of South Africa at the time the foreign licence was issued (for example, you can produce a passport, permanent residence permit or visa)

A letter of translation of the licence by a competent authority if the licence is not in one of the official languages of South Africa

Confirmation from a driving licence issuing authority that you have a valid driving licence (stating the codes and relevant categories of vehicle that the person is permitted to drive) that has not been cancelled or suspended

In case of an International Driving Permit (IDP), you must submit the driving licence on the authority of which the permit was issued

Proof of postal and residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit.

If you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your postal and residential address

The driving licence testing centre will issue the driving licence if it is satisfied that:

you are the owner of the foreign driving licence

You will hand over your foreign driving licence or driving permit when you receive your South African licence.

How long does it take

The time-frame for exchanging the licence varies from one testing centre to another due to internal auditing processes.

How much does it cost

Contact your local licensing office for the cost.

Forms to complete

The Application for driving licence (DL1) form is available at any driving licence testing centre.